ASN provides networking site for solution providers 26 August, 2007 By Chris Talbot

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While franchises and chains have their own networks for which to complete projects all over the country or world, that type of network isn't at the beck and call of the typical independent solution provider, said Joseph Canzonieri, president and founder of Advanced Service Network. ASN was put together to help solution providers find business partners when they need to do so while also being sure they're finding a partner with some experience and the right expertise.

"Basically it's a referral network -- more like a directory of a membership that's strictly for IT solution providers in the channel. It's made for the small guy who doesn't have the capabilities of those chain stores to get work done in other parts of the country or world," Canzonieri said.

After going to conferences and talking to solution providers for years, Canzonieri said he heard a lot of them wishing for a way to find other solution providers with the same certifications they had in other parts of the world. ASN was set up to provide that kind of industry networking.

With more than 400 members worldwide, ASN doesn't have many requirements for joining, but Canzonieri stressed that all applications are looked over carefully. As long as solution providers aren't part of franchises or chains, they'll be considered for membership.

However, Canzonieri said ASN is looking for solution providers that have been in business for awhile. A provider with about three years or more in business would be an ideal candidate for membership, he said.

"We're trying to get the word out so we can get more members. The more members we have, the better it works," Canzonieri said.

ASN was formed two years, and it has been growing ever since.

"So it's slowly building. We just attended the CompTIA Breakaway over in Vegas ... and reception was pretty good from both sides -- from vendors who wanted to advertise on the site to people wanting to join," Canzonieri said.